Porto fined after racial abuse by fans

London, April 4 (IANS) Portuguese football club FC Porto were fined 16,000 pounds after their fans racially abused Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli when the two teams met in the Europa League in February.

The English club lodged a complaint after the Italian striker was subjected to monkey taunts in the last-32 tie at the Estadio do Dragao Feb 16.

The European governing body confirmed the punishment following a meeting of their control and disciplinary body which took place last week.

“The UEFA control and disciplinary body has imposed a fine of 20,000 euros on FC Porto for racist conduct of their supporters at their first-leg round of 32 UEFA Europa League match against Manchester City FC Feb 16 in Porto,” the Daily Mail reported.

Porto have three days to appeal against the verdict.

The monkey chants went on throughout the game, which City won 2-1, but it appeared most noticeable when Balotelli was substituted 12 minutes from time.